[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1607-E1608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR WILLIAM ZITO JR., UNITED 
                              STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD B. NUGENT

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2013

  Mr. NUGENT. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it 
is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of the forthcoming 
retirement of Command Sergeant Major William Zito Jr. on January 31, 
2014.
  CSM William Zito Jr. has served the United States Army with honor and 
distinction for 22 years. A career of such longevity in support of our 
national security is, in itself, an accomplishment worthy of 
recognition. In the case of CSM Zito, his stoic demeanor masks the 
extraordinary achievements accumulated during an exceptional career 
that demands more than simply the recognition of a grateful nation. He 
has earned the respect of thousands of soldiers who have directly 
benefited from his leadership and the adulation of millions whom he has 
never met, but profited from his wisdom nonetheless.
  William Zito's combat arms occupational specialty took him directly 
into harm's way numerous times, deploying to the most dangerous 
battlefields of his generation. As First Sergeant, he deployed first to 
Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 and the invasion of Iraq 
in March of 2003, then returned

[[Page E1608]]

again in 2005 to 2006. In 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 3rd 
Infantry Division, First Sergeant Zito's leadership guided the actions 
of 130 soldiers whose teamwork under his stewardship received the 
Presidential and Meritorious Unit awards.
  After returning to complete the Sergeants Major Course in 2007, now 
CSM Zito once again met our nation's call and deployed the 2nd 
Battalion, 12th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Division to Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. During this time, CSM Zito was responsible for designing 
and implementing command policies and training for an 800 member Task 
Force. CSM Zito successfully managed all of the Task Force's Joint 
Security Stations as well as partnering with two Iraqi Army Brigades, 
an Iraqi Police Division and the Kadamiyah Shrine Police. The lives of 
thousands of American and Iraqi soldiers depended on the leadership of 
CSM Zito.
  Upon his return from foreign battlefields, CSM Zito continued to 
dedicate himself to the betterment of our nation by graciously allowing 
Congress to glean what we could from his wisdom. A remarkably small 
portion of the military are assigned to the unenvious task of 
explaining the impact on end-users of our legislative ideas. CSM Zito 
was among the hand-selected cadre, first as Defense Fellow to 
Representative John Carter and then as Legislative Liaison of the 
Department of the Army. During these two positions, CSM Zito was 
responsible for providing guidance on matters relating to military 
legislation as well as serving as the primary point of contact for 
enlisted issues. As an effective spokesman, CSM Zito strengthened the 
Army's relationship with our nation's lawmakers.
  Over the course of his 22 years of dedicated service, CSM Zito has 
repeatedly demonstrated honor and dedication indicative of a great 
American hero. His valiant efforts both across oceans in enemy 
territory as well as here domestically have helped to protect and shape 
our nation. On behalf of the United States Congress and the American 
people we represent, I extend my deep appreciation to Command Sergeant 
Major William Zito Jr. for his service to our country. My best wishes 
on a happy retirement and continued success.

                          ____________________